White Sandalwood: Benefits, Uses, and Practical Tips

White sandalwood is the pale, sweet-smelling type of sandalwood people reach for when they want a gentle, woody aroma and skin-friendly oil. You’ve probably smelled it in soaps, perfumes, or used it at a spa. It’s prized for a soft scent that calms the mind and a texture that sits nicely in creams and serums.

So what does it actually do? For skin, white sandalwood is often used to soothe irritation, reduce redness, and add light hydration. In aromatherapy it’s used for relaxation and to improve sleep or focus. Unlike some sharp citrus oils, its aroma is mellow and long-lasting, which makes it a popular base note in natural perfumes.

How to use white sandalwood safely

Start small. If you want to use the essential oil on skin, always dilute it. For facial blends aim for about 0.5–1% dilution (roughly 3–6 drops per ounce of carrier oil). For body use 1–3% (6–18 drops per ounce). Do a patch test: apply a tiny amount on your forearm and wait 24 hours for any reaction.

For aromatherapy, add a few drops to your diffuser or mix with carrier oil for a relaxing chest rub. If you prefer cosmetics, look for creams and serums that list white sandalwood oil or extract in the ingredients—these are already diluted and easier to try.

How to pick pure, sustainable products

Real white sandalwood oil costs more than many other essential oils. If a bottle is suspiciously cheap, it’s often cut with cheaper oils or synthetic scents. Look for these signs of quality: a COA (certificate of analysis), steam-distilled label, dark glass bottle, and clear ingredient listing. The oil should feel slightly viscous, not watery.

Sustainability matters. Sandalwood has been overharvested in places, so pick brands that use plantation-grown trees or list sustainable sourcing. If you care about ethics, search for brands that share harvest practices or carry third-party sustainability claims.

Keep in mind a few safety pointers: white sandalwood is generally mild, but any essential oil can irritate sensitive skin. Avoid applying undiluted oil. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription meds, check with your healthcare provider before starting regular use. Store oil in a cool, dark place to keep the scent and benefits intact.

Quick DIY ideas: add 3–4 drops to a tablespoon of carrier oil for a calming bedtime massage, mix a drop with unscented lotion to test for skin tolerance, or put 4–6 drops in a diffuser for a gentle evening scent. If you’re buying ready-made products, prefer formulations where sandalwood is not buried behind unknown fragrances.

If you want a lasting, calming natural scent that’s also kind to skin, white sandalwood is a solid choice—just choose quality, dilute properly, and patch-test before regular use.